St James corporation puts $20m into Montego Bay Sports Complex recovery

ST JAMES, Jamaica — The St James Municipal Corporation has provided $20 million to Montego Bay Multi Sports Development Limited to support the first cleanup stage in restoring the Montego Bay Sports Complex.

Montego Bay Mayor Councillor Richard Vernon disclosed the funding on Wednesday during an event at the venue, where officials outlined the redevelopment programme and repair work needed after Hurricane Melissa caused major damage in October.

Johann “Yoni” Epstein, chairman of Montego Bay Multi Sports Development Limited and Montego Bay United, said flood waters linked to the storm badly affected the football field. He said the pitch is expected to be fit for use in time for the 2026-27 football season.

Epstein also said the broader proposal for the property includes more football fields, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, futsal courts, racquet-sport facilities, dormitory accommodation and a gym.

In February, Montego Bay Multi Sports Development Limited and the St James Municipal Council signed a memorandum of understanding for a 25-year lease of the complex. The company had applied to lease the facility in November 2024, putting forward a proposal valued at about $700 million.

-Paul A Reid